C2C provides children living in homeless and low-income situations with the basic supplies — such as shoes, sweaters, and backpacks — they need to thrive at home, at school or at play.

“Remember, quality equals dignity,” Ed, our C2C trainer said. He showed us how to inspect and sort donations. His advice was to choose only the best items for their kids. In just two hours, our team sorted enough garments to clothe 168 children.

How it works

Cradles to Crayons collects donated children’s items and enlists volunteers to inspect and package them into custom "kid packs." Then C2C distributes the packages to disadvantaged children through social service agencies. As part of its corporate social responsibility activities, NTT DATA employees have been volunteering with Cradles to Crayons since 2013.

“It makes me a little sad,” one NTT DATA, Inc. volunteer said. She explained that volunteering at Cradles to Crayons made her realize the need is great. C2C estimates there are about 300,000 children across Massachusetts in need of their services.

“Why aren’t there any winter jackets?” another volunteer asked, as she opened bags of donated clothing. We discovered there are many gaps in the C2C’s inventory, especially boy’s pants, shirts and jackets.

A worthwhile visit

Many NTT DATA, Inc. volunteers visit every year, but some were volunteering for the first time. Every visit is worthwhile. As one colleague said, “I think it was a success both from the contribution to Cradles to Crayons as well as team-building … Sign me up for next year!”